In Vågan, Lofoten, a newly built school on Gimsøy, which opened just six months ago, is now at risk of closure due to the municipality's severe financial crisis.

The school, costing 87 million kroner, was initially celebrated as a bold investment in youth by the local government.

However, Vågan's deepening budget deficit, projected to reach 40 million kroner this year, has forced the council to reconsider its spending, including potential school closures.

This decision has sparked widespread protests from residents, who argue that closing the school would devastate the community.

Demonstrations have been held outside the town hall, with parents and children voicing their concerns about the impact on their daily lives and the future of their village.

The local government, now in collaboration with several political parties, is exploring various cost-cutting measures, including school and service consolidations, to address the financial imbalance.